Symptoms of separation anxiety disorder may be mild or severe, depending on the child’s age and personality. Children with separation anxiety disorder may have difficulty going to school, playing with friends, or spending time with family members. They may also be unable to sleep, and have nightmares about bad events occurring to the person or people they are separated from.
The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in adults are similar to those of children, although they often occur in a much later stage. Adults with this condition are likely to have a restless, cyclic thinking pattern and avoid social interaction in favor of staying home alone. They check on the whereabouts of loved ones on a regular basis and often avoid work or travel because of this.
In most cases, a separation anxiety disorder diagnosis is made when patients have at least three symptoms of the condition for a minimum of four weeks in children and six months in adults. These include a fear of being separated from family members or caregivers, frequent and intense distress when a loved one is away, and the inability to go to school or participate in normal activities with friends.
Separation anxiety can affect anyone, but it’s most common in infants and small children. It can be triggered by life stress, such as a new baby, changing childcare or caregivers, or moving to a new place. It can also be related to another mental health problem, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What Causes Separation Anxiety?
The main cause of separation anxiety is the loss of an attachment figure. The attachment figure may be a parent, sibling, or other close relationship. They may be the object of a lot of attention from the patient and are an important part of their lives. They are often able to reassure the patient that they are safe.
If a child has an attachment figure, they are often able to cope with the loss without too much distress. However, if they have lost someone very recently or if they have an intense fear of losing the attachment figure, it can be hard for them to deal with their anxiety and make it easier for the attachment figure to regain their affection.
Therapy for Separation Anxiety
The treatment of separation anxiety is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. CBT focuses on identifying and correcting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to anxiety in the first place. Exposure therapy involves exposing the patient to their fears in a safe environment, and then teaching them how to overcome those fears without avoiding situations that they are afraid of.
Older and Adolescents With Separation Anxiety
Typical separation anxiety disorders symptoms in older children and adolescents are more severe than those of younger children. They may be unable to go to school or spend time with peers, and may experience physical symptoms such as stomach upset and headaches. They may be prone to tantrums and other emotional outbursts.
